West Hollywood : Bars’ Smoking Ban Eased

The West Hollywood City Council eased its new anti-smoking law this week to allow smoking in restaurant bars.

The 4-to-1 decision Monday brings West Hollywood’s law, passed last year over the objections of restaurant owners, into line with a similar law regulating smoking in Los Angeles restaurants.

The original West Hollywood law banned smoking in bars connected to restaurants, but exempted other bars. Much of the opposition to the law had come from restaurants with attached bars.

Mayor Sal Guarriello, an opponent of the smoking ban, voted against the new law, which also no longer allows restaurant owners to apply for variances. The council had previously denied a variance sought by restaurant owners who said the ban hurts business at their 24-hour restaurant and violates their constitutional rights.